323

Randolph's Disappearance

Randolph lingered with his comrades, chatting amiably under the starlit sky until late into the night.

As most retired to rest in the wee hours, Randolph, downing the last of his wine, wiped his mouth and approached a young woman in a green dress, quietly sewing.

"Hello, my lady," Randolph greeted her with a courteous smile.

"Um... hello, warrior of the Aesir," the girl replied nervously, attempting to rise.

Randolph gently pressed her shoulder, signaling her to remain seated, and took his place beside her. "It's quite late. Why aren't you resting?"

"I can't sleep," she confessed softly.

"Where is your family?" Randolph inquired further.

"They're... gone," she replied, bowing her head, her demeanor adding to her fragile beauty.

Randolph's gaze softened at her vulnerability.

In Asgard, he was an ordinary soldier, millennia old. On Earth, he wielded immense power and commanded respect effortlessly.

As the descendant of gods facing a solitary girl, Randolph's resolve strengthened.

Tenderly, he lifted her chin, his eyes meeting hers. "My dear, would you like to be part of a new family?"

...

Two hours later,

In a secluded corner, unseen by others, Randolph and the girl embraced closely.

"Darling, are you truly willing to forsake everything in Asgard for me?" she whispered, burying her head against his chest, his hair tickling her cheek.

"Absolutely," Randolph affirmed without hesitation. "Until today, I never truly understood the power of love. Now I realize that all fame and fortune are mere illusions."

"For you, I would relinquish everything, even Asgard."

Touched, she nestled closer.

"Are you cold?" Randolph asked gently.

"Yes," she nodded, barely audible.

"In that case, let me warm you," Randolph smiled.

Amidst the long night, a warmth akin to spring enveloped them.

The following day,

Randolph sat with a few comrades, his expression clouded, lost in thought.

"What's on your mind, Randolph?" a companion asked casually.

"It's nothing. Just a foreboding feeling," Randolph replied somberly.

"Foreboding?" His comrades exchanged glances.

Randolph nodded, avoiding their eyes. "I have a feeling I may not return from this mission. If I don't make it, please tell my parents and younger brother... that I love them."

His comrades fell silent.

At that moment, Forseti approached with two mages from the Supreme Sanctuary.

The soldiers stood respectfully. "Lord Forseti."

"I've secured human mages to teleport you directly to the frost giants' stronghold," Forseti announced.

With a nod, the mages began their incantations, opening a portal swiftly.

"Five frost giants await in the valley beyond this portal, one severely wounded. I trust you'll handle them swiftly. Proceed," Forseti instructed.

"Yes, Lord Forseti." The soldiers filed through the portal.

Randolph hesitated briefly before stepping forward. With resolve, he joined his comrades and disappeared into the portal.

Guided by the mages' portal, the Asgardian warriors arrived at their target, swiftly dispatching the remaining frost giants hidden in the vicinity.

Few in number and already wounded, the giants posed little challenge. Most surrendered or fell to the Asgardians' might.

By day's end, all targeted frost giants were neutralized.

The soldiers returned to Tonsberg through the portal. Most returned unharmed, a few injured, one fallen, and one missing.

"Missing?" Forseti frowned.

"Yes, Lord Forseti. During the battle, Randolph pursued a wounded giant and never returned," a soldier reported. "We searched, but found no trace of either Randolph or the frost giant."

Rowe's expression darkened. "You're certain it was Randolph who went missing?"

The soldier nodded. "Yes."

Forseti recalled the reports from SHIELD about Randolph's desertion during an operation in Asgard, opting to remain on Earth thereafter.

This mission marked his departure.

Forseti knew the truth but deferred to Tyr, their commander.

Curiously, Forseti had not seen Tyr since that morning, unsure of his whereabouts.

It wasn't until the following day that Rowe finally encountered Tyr, dispelling any concerns that he might have followed Randolph's path.

"Have you completed the clean-up of the frost giants?" Tyr inquired, surprised.

"Yes, with the assistance of the mages," Rowe replied. "Where have you been?"

"I, too, engaged the frost giants, forgetting human mages possess such portals. You young ones are quite clever," Tyr chuckled.

Forseti remained unconvinced.

Tyr offered no further explanation, changing the subject. "In that case, we should return to Asgard."

Rowe nodded. "Agreed. I intend to linger in Midgard a while longer. Should any more frost giants surface, I'll deal with them as necessary."

"Very well," Tyr acknowledged.

As a formal Aesir, Forseti enjoyed the liberty to travel as he pleased, so long as it didn't disrupt Asgard's affairs or defy the Allfather's orders.

Tyr departed for Asgard with his warriors, leaving Forseti and Shilut behind on Earth.

Following a few more days aiding the locals in Tonsberg, Forseti and Shilut accompanied the mages to the London Sanctuary.

To their surprise, upon arrival, Forseti spotted a burly, ragged man of African descent.

His attire torn, body soiled and bloodied, his face obscured.

He clutched the arm of Supreme Mage Flocari, appearing agitated, as if pleading for aid.

Flocari looked embarrassed. "Bashenga... I wish I could assist you, but matters involving the Sacred Sanctuary are not easily meddled with."

---